Journal of International Psychiatry

Object To explore the long-term changes in emotional state (depression, anxiety) and its influencing factors in methamphetamine (MA) dependents after leaving the detoxification center, so as to provide a potential direction for understanding the changing characteristics of the mental health level of MA dependents and further improving clinical outcomes. Methods This is a longitudinal follow-up study. The follow-up study was conducted among 574 MA dependents enrolled in Compulsory Isolation Detoxification Center in Shanghai from 2012-2013 after 8 years. 283 MA dependents who completed the baseline assessment and follow-up survey were included as the study subjects. The chi-square test was used to compare the changes in depression and anxiety at baseline and follow-up (8 years later). Multiple linear regression analysis was used to explore the influencing factors of depression and anxiety after 8 years. Results The proportion of MA dependents with depression or anxiety at follow-up was significantly lower compared to baseline (p <0.001). The results of multiple linear regression analysis based on follow-up data showed that MA dependents with high-stress perception, physical disease, high risk of dangerous and harmful drinking, and low family support had higher depression scores. MA dependents with high-stress perception, physical disease, high life satisfaction, and low family support had higher anxiety scores (ps <0.05). Conclusion Eight years later, depression and anxiety in MA dependents were significantly improved. Among them, family support is a protective factor for depression and anxiety in MA dependents. High-stress perception, physical disease, and dangerous and harmful drinking are risk factors for high depression scores in MA dependents. High-stress perception, physical disease, and high life satisfaction are risk factors for high anxiety scores in MA dependents.

Methamphetamine; Depression; Anxiety; Long-term follow-up; Influencing factor